By Jon Johnson/Gila Herald
PIMA — Athletes, families, and local supporters filled the town on Saturday, Sept. 12, as the 16th annual Tri Community Tri brought competitors from across the region to Pima for a day of swimming, cycling, and running.
The Tri-Community Tri is a multi-distance sprint triathlon in rural Pima, Arizona. The Sprint Triathlon begins with a 425-yard swim in the Pima Pool at 321 S. 100 East, followed by a 15-mile ride through rolling scenic hills, and finishes with a 5K (3.2-mile) run through neighborhoods in Pima. The race finishes in the same area as it began.
Guided by race director Brian and Paull, the event operates as a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Proceeds from registration fees directly fund equipment upkeep and local health and fitness initiatives across the Gila Valley. Over 40 local volunteers—including Eastern Arizona College students, nursing pupils, and area high schoolers—helped staff transition areas, water stations, and safety checkpoints along Cottonwood Wash Road and local neighborhood routes.
The community event saw multiple couples racing as well as families with children trying to outpace their parents. Hometown competitors battled the influx of visiting racers from across Arizona and neighboring states. Jenny Sullivan and two of her children came from Tucson for the event. Being local sometimes has its advantages, as Jenny took a bad turn and ended up in a canal, turning her triathlon into a “tough mudder.” While she was submerged up to her neck, she managed to escape with just her dignity harmed and finished the race – albeit with bits of canal debris clinging to her.
Afterward, racers were treated to a replenishment station with snacks, fruit, water, and more to aid recovery. They then received trophies and medals for the top performers.
Sprint Triathlon
In the men’s division, Florence resident Ross Platt earned the top spot overall with a finish time of 1:13:40.5. Platt edged out former race champion Bobby Gonzales (1:14:03.8), who finished second overall while winning the 55–59 age group, and third-place finisher David Martinez (1:14:34.4).
“I try to come every year. I’ve been most years the last six or so,” Platt said. “It’s a great event… I love the course. I love the swim. It’s great having half a lane to yourself… Great bike course, enough elevation gain to make it interesting and fun… and then a nice smooth run course. One of my favorite courses in Arizona, honestly.”
Platt also commended his fellow competitor: “He’s the true winner,” Platt said of Gonzales. “He’s 22 years older than me, I think, so that’s impressive. He is an impressive athlete.”
On the women’s side, Emily Mullaney claimed the overall title with a time of 1:26:56.6, followed by Shaylin Oldham (1:30:00.5) in second and Michele Peterson (1:31:42.6) in third.
Sprint Triathlon Results
- Male Overall: 1st: Ross Platt (1:13:40.5); 2nd: Bobby Gonzales (1:14:03.8); 3rd: David Martinez (1:14:34.4)
- Female Overall: 1st: Emily Mullaney (1:26:56.6); 2nd: Shaylin Oldham (1:30:00.5); 3rd: Michele Peterson (1:31:42.6)
- Male Age Group Winners: 10–14: Sanford Nelson (1:34:12.9); 20–24: Tyler Lewis (1:21:57.5); 25–29: Lance Oldham (1:26:12.5); 30–34: Alejandro Gaitan (1:19:24.8); 35–39: Taylor Goodman (1:45:54.3); 40–44: Darrel Yerkovich (1:24:15.3); 45–49: Nick Parker (1:20:28.3); 55–59: Dale Oldham (1:33:31.3); 60–64: Pete Crow (1:45:14.2); 65–69: Paul Hudon (1:42:51.9)
- Female Age Group Winners: 15–19: Coral Sullivan (1:56:27.4); 25–29: Lindsay Martin (1:48:09.8); 30–34: Lauren Mortensen (1:47:02.6); 35–39: Nancy Prater (1:36:08.9); 40–44: Shawnda Bennett (1:32:47.6); 45–49: Melanie Nielson (1:47:55.3); 50–54: Heather Tucker (2:16:55.5); 60–64: Dee Scott (1:37:57.1); 65–69: Kathryn Honda (2:11:13.3)
Super Sprint Triathlon Results
- Male Overall: 1st: Tell Richardson (40:43.4); 2nd: Ryan McGuire (42:50.5); 3rd: Scott Bennett (50:30.2)
- Female Overall: 1st: Shea Magill (47:28.1); 2nd: Kelly Odegaard (51:14.6); 3rd: Sheryl Cormack (52:34.2)
- Male Age Group Winners: 10–14: Jackson Bennett (54:39.0); 30–34: Simon Lotero (58:39.2); 45–49: Chad Odegaard (58:52.7); 55–59: Chris Dow (55:29.5); 60–64: Matt Hunter (1:00:13.0)
- Female Age Group Winners: 15–19: Hilde Reeves (1:28:48.4); 20–24: Heather Reynolds (1:19:47.8); 25–29: Anna Robinson (1:15:18.0); 30–34: Andrea Santana (58:48.0); 50–54: Christina Willard (1:01:28.2); 55–59: Shanda Lloyd (1:01:46.6)
Kid’s Triathlon Results
- Male Overall: 1st: River Starr (13:31.9); 2nd: Riggs Magill (13:48.9); 3rd: Renden Sullivan (16:56.7)
- Female Overall: 1st: Sophia Paull (17:45.3); 2nd: Anna Paull (19:43.8); 3rd: Lily Prater (21:58.1)
- Male Age Group Winners: 0–9: Jace Bennett (21:06.7); 10–14: Forrest Starr (19:10.7)
- Female Age Group Winners: 10–14: Marley Ruiz (22:54.8)
Click here to view the Gila Herald’s Photo Album from the race.
